Apparatus and method for ligament reconstruction

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for reconstructing a ligament, the apparatus comprising: a fixation device for maintaining a graft ligament in a bone hole, the fixation device comprising: a fixation screw comprising a body having screw threads formed thereon; and a ligament spacer mounted to the fixation screw, the ligament spacer comprising a canted face disposed opposite the fixation screw; such that when a graft ligament is disposed within a bone hole, the fixation screw and ligament spacer may be advanced into the bone hole alongside the graft ligament so that the fixation screw creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the bone hole, and the ligament spacer creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the bone hole, with the canted face of the ligament spacer being aligned with the adjacent surface of the bone.

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims benefit of:

(i) prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/498,663, filed Jun. 20, 2011 by Kelly G. Ammann for APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ANATOMIC ACL RECONSTRUCTION; and

(ii) prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/638,848, filed Apr. 26, 2012 by Kelly G. Ammann for APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ANATOMIC ACL RECONSTRUCTION.

The two (2) above-identified patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to medical apparatus and methods in general, and more particularly to medical apparatus and methods for reconstructing a ligament.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A ligament is a piece of soft, fibrous tissue that connects one bone to another bone in the skeletal system. Ligaments can often become damaged or injured. When injured, ligaments may tear, rupture or become detached from bone. The loss of a ligament can cause instability, pain and eventual increased wear on the joint surfaces, which can lead to osteoarthritis.

Various surgical techniques have been developed for ligament repair. The surgical technique that is used depends on the ligament that has been damaged and the extent of the injury.

A ligament that is commonly injured is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). As seen in FIG. 1, the ACL 5 traverses from the top of the tibia 10 to the bottom of the femur 15.

Trauma to the knee can cause injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL may become partially or completely torn. FIG. 2 depicts a diagram representation of a torn ACL 5 in the right knee.

A torn ACL reduces the stability of the knee joint and can result in pain, instability and additional wear on the cartilage surfaces of the knee, resulting in eventual osteoarthritis.

Several surgical techniques and ligament fixation devices are available for ACL repair. One of the most commonly used ACL repair techniques involves removal of the native ACL ligament remnants, drilling tunnels in both the femur and the tibia, inserting a tissue graft into the tunnels in place of the native ACL and securing the tissue graft in place with interference screws or other fixation devices.

Looking now at FIG. 3, after removal of the injured native ACL, currently available aiming instruments are aligned to the tibia and a guide pin is drilled into the tibia. FIG. 3 illustrates a typical aiming device 20 for locating a guide pin (or guide wire) 25 from the outside of the tibia 10 to an exit point inside the joint at the corresponding location of the tibial ACL insertion. Note that the guide pin 25 enters at an angle α to the tibia, and exits into the joint space at the angle α as measured from the upper surface of the tibia (also known as the tibial plateau).

The aiming device 20 is then removed from the tibia 10, leaving the guide wire 25 in place. A special cannulated drill 30 (i.e., a drill with a center hole through the length of the drill) is slid over the guide wire 25 and drilled from the front surface of the tibia 10 into the joint space of the knee. FIG. 4 shows the guide pin 25 and the cannulated drill 30 after drilling through the tibia.

A similar process is followed for drilling into the femur (FIG. 5). The guide pin 25 is inserted through the tibial tunnel 35 into the femur 15 near the femoral insertion site of the native ACL, and then the femoral tunnel 40 is drilled into femur 15, as shown in FIG. 5.

The method described above and shown in FIG. 5 is sometimes referred to as transtibial femoral tunnel drilling since the femoral tunnel 40 is drilled by access through the tibial tunnel 35. One problem with transtibial femoral tunnel drilling is that the femoral tunnel location ends up higher in the femoral notch than the normal anatomic femoral insertion of the ACL because access to the femur is limited by the size and location of the tibial tunnel 35. An alternative method that has been developed and is in current use is to create the femoral tunnel by drilling through the anteromedial portal 45 (FIG. 6). Anteromedial (AM) portal drilling of the femoral tunnel 40 involves drilling across the knee joint through the AM portal skin incision 45 such that the femoral tunnel location can be brought into a more anatomic position. In AM portal drilling, a guide pin 25 is first drilled into the anatomic location on the femur through the AM portal 45, followed by drilling with a cannulated drill 30 as shown in FIG. 6. The guide pin 25 and the cannulated drill 30 enter the AM portal 45 and traverse across the joint space. As shown in FIG. 6, it is clear that the guide pin 25 and drill 30 must pass in front of the adjacent femoral condyle to prevent damaging the condyle. The knee quite often must be put into a state of deep flexion in order to reach the anatomic ACL footprint on the femur and still safely pass by the adjacent condyle and the tibial plateau.

With the tibial tunnel 35 and the femoral tunnel 40 created, the tissue graft 50 (FIG. 7A) is prepared. The tissue graft 50 is typically harvested from the patient's own body tissue and may be hamstring tendons, quadriceps tendon, or patellar tendon. Alternatively, similar tissue grafts may be harvested from a donor and also include the Achilles tendon, anterior tibialis tendon or other graft sources. The graft 50 is first prepared by creating one long tissue graft strand, folding the graft over onto itself, and making measurements along the graft. See FIG. 7A. Example measurements for adults are 30 mm of graft length for the portion of the graft that is inserted into the femoral tunnel, 27 mm of graft length for the portion of the graft that is intra-articular (inside the knee joint) and 35 mm of graft length for the portion of the graft that is inserted inside the tibial tunnel. The tissue graft 50 is folded over into two bundles 60, 65 as shown in FIG. 7A. Sutures are applied at the areas of the graft 50 that will interface with the tunnel fixation to add additional strength. The folded section 55 will interface with the femoral tunnel 40 and the two opposite ends 60, 65 will be in the tibial tunnel 35.

Additional sutures are looped around the folded portion 55 of the graft 50, forming a strand of sutures 70 (or lead sutures) that can be used to pull the graft 50 into place (FIG. 7B). The lead sutures 70 are passed through the tibial tunnel 35 and femoral tunnel 40, with the assistance of a suture passing guide wire (not shown). FIG. 7B shows the folded over graft in position to be pulled through the tibial tunnel 35 and into the femoral tunnel 40. The lead sutures 70 (upper left in FIG. 7B) are grasped with a clamp 75 outside the femur and the graft construct is pulled through the tibial tunnel 35, through the interior of the knee joint, and into the femoral tunnel 40.

Once the tissue graft 50 is in place, the individual bundles 60, 65 making up the aggregate tissue graft may be manipulated to approximate their anatomic positions.

More particularly, advances in the research of ACL anatomy indicate that there are two primary bundles that make up the natural ACL, the anteromedial bundle 80 (FIG. 8) and the posterolateral bundle 85. The anteromedial bundle 80 and the posterolateral bundle 85 are also sometimes referred to as the AM bundle and the PL bundle. The name of the ligament refers to their point of origin on the tibial plateau, that is, the AM bundle originates anteromedially and the PL bundle originates posterolaterally (relative to each other on the tibial plateau). FIG. 8 illustrates the two bundles and their relative positions in the knee joint. Points A and B (FIG. 8) illustrate the ligament insertions on the tibial plateau as well as the ligament insertions on the femur. The AM and PL bundles cross each other during normal flexion of the knee joint. The AM and PL bundles are roughly parallel to each other when the knee is in full extension.

In the typical surgical technique, the tissue graft 50 is manipulated into positions (FIG. 9) such that the two graft strands 60, 65 (making up the aggregate tissue graft) approximate the locations of the AM and PL bundles and yield a reconstruction that approximates the native ACL anatomy. It has been demonstrated in biomechanical tests that this construct results in a more stable result. There are several techniques and devices which are used to approximate the footprint of the AM and PL bundles.

After the AM and PL bundles are manipulated into position, fixation screws 90 (also known as interference screws) are inserted (e.g., into the femoral tunnel 40 and then into the tibial tunnel 35). First the femoral portion of the graft is fixed into place by inserting an interference screw 90 through the AM portal 45 and into the femoral tunnel 40, as shown in FIG. 9. The interference screw 90 squeezes the ligament graft tightly up against the tunnel wall so as to secure the ligament graft in position within the tunnel. As the interference screw 90 is tightened into place, it creates an interference fit between the tunnel, the graft and the screw.

FIG. 10 shows the femoral fixation in place, with the AM bundle approximating its anatomic position and the PL bundle approximating its anatomic position.

Lastly, an interference screw 90 (FIG. 11) is inserted into the tibial tunnel 35, thereby completing the fixation of the tissue graft. FIG. 11 illustrates the final construct.

The foregoing technique has been used for many years for reconstruction of the ACL. This technique has been very successful, but it does have limitations. More particularly, a closer look at the current technique reveals limitations due to the geometry of the drilled holes and the use of currently available fixation devices.

More particularly, because the drill 30 enters the femoral notch at an angle, the entrance of the femoral tunnel 40 into the femur 15 is elliptical (FIG. 12). Note that this is not due to poorly manufactured drills, or poor surgical technique, etc.—it is simply the normal result of drilling a hole into a surface with the drill set at an angle to the surface. This becomes more evident when viewing the tunnel straight into (i.e., perpendicular to) the bone surface, as shown in FIG. 12.

Similarly, because the drill 30 exits the tibial tunnel 35 and enters the interior of the joint at an angle, the shape of the tibial tunnel 35 is elliptical at the entrance to the joint space (FIG. 13). This phenomenon has been documented in various biomechanical studies.

Typical interference screws 90 fixate the graft ligament 50 along the length of the screw and about the perimeter of the screw. However, the portion of the ligament disposed in the elliptical portion of a bone tunnel (i.e., that portion of the bone tunnel that does not form a complete circular cross-section) is not secured against bone, as shown in FIG. 14.

The fixation screw 90 and the ligament graft 50 are represented in FIG. 15. The AM and PL bundles are essentially free to reside wherever they may land around the perimeter of the interference screw and are not secured in the elliptical portion of the bone tunnel, because that elliptical portion of the bone tunnel does not form a complete circular cross-section.

On the tibial side, a similar geometric condition exists (FIG. 16). Furthermore, the taper of the typical interference screw 90 at its distal end, which is disposed near the joint side mouth of the tibial tunnel 35, adds additional laxity to the ligament fixation, as shown in the tibial cross-section of FIG. 16. This figure shows a standard interference screw 90 secured in the tibial tunnel 35. The AM and PL bundles are shown roughly in their anatomic positions. The area at the distal end of the interference screw 90 shows how the ligament 50 is not securely fixated in the area near the distal tip of the screw (i.e., where the ligament enters the joint space). This type of limited fixation may contribute to problems such as the so-called “windshield wiper effect” (where the graft ligament sweeps across the mouth of the bone tunnel, thereby causing abrasion to the graft ligament and to the mouth of the bone tunnel), and joint laxity (due to incomplete fixation of the ligament into its anatomic position).

As discussed above, there are potential problems with current interference screw fixation, i.e., there is a lack of complete fixation of the ligament graft at the entrance of the tunnel to the joint space. The unsecured ligament in the elliptical opening of the bone tunnel may contribute to the windshield wiper effect, biomechanical instability and tunnel widening. Furthermore, the rotational position of the ligament graft in the tunnel is not controlled, which can result in a biomechanical construct that does not reproduce the native anatomy, i.e., the ligament strands 60, 65 may not be properly disposed in the locations of the native AM and PM bundles.

Thus there is a need for new apparatus and method for reconstructing a ligament which addresses deficiencies in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides new apparatus and method for fixation of the ACL which addresses deficiencies in the prior art. The new apparatus secures the graft ligament along the entire periphery of the elliptical bone tunnel entrance so as to provide complete fixation of the ligament graft and to spread the ligament graft over the natural anatomic footprint of the ACL insertions of both the tibia and femur. As an additional benefit, the new apparatus substantially completely fills the bony defect resulting from the drilling process. The elliptical opening of the bone tunnel no longer becomes a detriment, but rather an asset, towards achieving a more accurate anatomic reconstruction.

In one preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatus for reconstructing a ligament, the apparatus comprising:

a fixation device for maintaining a graft ligament in a bone hole, the fixation device comprising:

-   -   a fixation screw comprising a body having screw threads formed         thereon; and     -   a ligament spacer mounted to the fixation screw, the ligament         spacer comprising a canted face disposed opposite the fixation         screw;     -   such that when a graft ligament is disposed within a bone hole,         the fixation screw and ligament spacer may be advanced into the         bone hole alongside the graft ligament so that the fixation         screw creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and         the wall of the bone hole, and the ligament spacer creates an         interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the         bone hole, with the canted face of the ligament spacer being         aligned with the adjacent surface of the bone.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for reconstructing a ligament, the apparatus comprising:

a first fixation device for maintaining a graft ligament in a first bone hole, the first fixation device comprising:

-   -   a first fixation screw comprising a body having screw threads         formed thereon; and     -   a first ligament spacer mounted to the first fixation screw, the         first ligament spacer comprising a first canted face disposed         opposite the first fixation screw;     -   such that when a graft ligament is disposed within the first         bone hole, the first fixation screw and first ligament spacer         may be advanced into the first bone hole alongside the graft         ligament so that the first fixation screw creates an         interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the         first bone hole, and the first ligament spacer creates an         interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the         first bone hole, with the first canted face of the first         ligament spacer being aligned with the adjacent surface of the         first bone; and

a second fixation device for maintaining the graft ligament in a second bone hole, the second fixation device comprising:

-   -   a second fixation screw comprising a body having screw threads         formed thereon; and     -   a second ligament spacer mounted to the second fixation screw,         the second ligament spacer comprising a second canted face         disposed opposite the second fixation screw;     -   such that when the graft ligament is disposed within the second         bone hole, the second fixation screw and second ligament spacer         may be advanced into the second bone hole alongside the graft         ligament so that the second fixation screw creates an         interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the         second bone hole, and the second ligament spacer creates an         interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the         second bone hole, with the second canted face of the second         ligament spacer being aligned with the adjacent surface of the         second bone.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a method for reconstructing a ligament, the method comprising:

providing a fixation device for maintaining a graft ligament in a bone hole, the fixation device comprising:

-   -   a fixation screw comprising a body having screw threads formed         thereon; and     -   a ligament spacer mounted to the fixation screw, the ligament         spacer comprising a canted face disposed opposite the fixation         screw;     -   such that when a graft ligament is disposed within a bone hole,         the fixation screw and ligament spacer may be advanced into the         bone hole alongside the graft ligament so that the fixation         screw creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and         the wall of the bone hole, and the ligament spacer creates an         interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the         bone hole, with the canted face of the ligament spacer being         aligned with the adjacent surface of the bone;

forming a bone hole in a bone;

extending a graft ligament along the bone hole;

advancing the fixation screw and the ligament spacer into the bone hole alongside the graft ligament so as to secure the graft ligament in the bone hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the femur, the tibia and the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a torn ACL in the right knee;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an aiming device and a guide wire;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a guide pin and a cannulated drill entering the joint space of the knee;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a femoral tunnel, a guide pin and a cannulated drill;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing drilling through the AM portal in the right knee;

FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing a prepared tissue graft;

FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing a tissue graft insertion into the tibial and the femoral tunnels;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the AM and PL bundles of the ACL;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the insertion of an interference screw into the femoral tunnel of the right knee;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an interference screw in place in the right knee;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a completed ACL reconstruction in the right knee;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the resulting elliptical/oval tunnel entrance of the bone hole on the femur;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the resulting elliptical/oval tunnel exit formed on the tibial plateau;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the femur and a normal tunnel entrance and standard fixation;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the femur and a standard fixation and ligament grafts;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the interference screw and the ligament graft disposed in the tibial tunnel;

FIG. 17A is a schematic view showing a guide pin through the AM portal which is centered on the femoral ACL footprint in the left knee;

FIG. 17B is a schematic view showing the placement of a guide pin through the AM portal;

FIG. 17C is a schematic view showing the knee in 90° flexion and showing insertion of a guide pin through the AM portal at an angle β;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a cannulated drill disposed over the guide pin;

FIG. 19A is a schematic view showing the femoral tunnel drilled and having an elliptical entrance;

FIG. 19B is a schematic view showing the angle α₂ reduced from the original angle α;

FIG. 19C is a schematic view showing the tibial tunnel “mouth”, or entrance, to the joint space;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the femoral fixation screw (FFS);

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing the femoral ligament spacer (FLS);

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing the femoral fixation device;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing a cross-section of the femoral fixation device;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing the femoral fixation device;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing the femoral fixation device;

FIG. 26A is a schematic view showing the femoral fixation device;

FIG. 26B is a schematic view showing the femoral fixation device and showing the angle β;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing the lead-in and canted face of the femoral fixation device;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing insertion of the femoral fixation device;

FIG. 29 is a schematic view showing the femoral fixation device and ligament graft in position;

FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing the femoral fixation device and ligament bundles;

FIG. 31A is a schematic view showing the femoral fixation device inserted, but with the graft ligament not shown, to illustrate the congruence of fixation to the femoral surface;

FIG. 31B is a view similar to that of FIG. 31A, but taken from a different angle of view;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view showing the femur and tibia, femoral fixation and the graft bundles;

FIG. 33 is a schematic view showing the tibial ligament spacer and guide pin, but without ligament grafts in order to facilitate viewing;

FIG. 34 is a schematic view showing the tibial ligament spacer (TLS);

FIG. 35 is a schematic view showing the tibial fixation screw (TFS);

FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing the tibial fixation screw and tibial ligament spacer, in unassembled condition;

FIG. 37A is a schematic view showing the tibial fixation device;

FIG. 37B is a schematic view showing the tibial fixation device and the angle α;

FIG. 38 is a schematic view showing the tibial fixation device;

FIG. 39 is a schematic view showing the tibial fixation device;

FIG. 40 is a schematic view showing the impactor introduced and aligned with the TLS;

FIG. 41 is a schematic view showing the TLS seated into tibia, and the AM and PL bundles;

FIG. 42 is a schematic view showing the guide wire inserted into the tibia;

FIG. 43 is a schematic view showing the TFS advancing over the guide wire to engage with the TLS;

FIG. 44 is a schematic view showing the tibial fixation screw partially inserted;

FIG. 45 is a schematic view showing the tibial fixation device and ligaments;

FIG. 46 is a schematic view showing completed anatomic ACL reconstruction;

FIG. 47 is a schematic view showing holes or fenestrations through the FLS;

FIG. 48 is a schematic view showing fenestrations through the TLS;

FIG. 49 is a schematic view showing a fenestrated femoral ligament spacer;

FIG. 50 is a schematic view showing a fenestrated tibial ligament spacer;

FIG. 51 is a schematic view showing an FLS with retaining barbs;

FIG. 52 is a schematic view showing a TLS with retaining barbs;

FIG. 53 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device with fenestrations, recesses and barbs;

FIG. 54 is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation device, with fenestrations, recesses and barbs;

FIG. 55 is a schematic view showing femoral and tibial fixation device (with fenestrations) in place;

FIG. 56 is a schematic view showing femoral and tibial fixation devices in the final construct;

FIG. 57 is a schematic view showing femoral and tibial fixation devices and ligament grafts;

FIG. 58 is a schematic view showing a fixation where a first tunnel is drilled slightly smaller, e.g., 9 mm;

FIG. 59 is a schematic view showing a counterbore being drilled somewhat larger, e.g., 11 mm;

FIG. 60 is a schematic view showing a stepped drill bit;

FIG. 61 is a schematic view showing the bore/counterbore hole being drilled with the stepped drill bit;

FIG. 62 is a schematic view showing an alternative femoral fixation device with larger FLS;

FIG. 63 is a schematic view showing an expanded femoral fixation device with a larger FLS;

FIG. 64 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 65 is a schematic view showing an expanded femoral fixation (larger FLS) insertion;

FIG. 66 is a schematic view showing an expanded femoral fixation;

FIG. 67 is a schematic view showing a femoral guide wire aimer;

FIG. 68 is a schematic view showing a femoral guide wire aimer and guide wire;

FIG. 69 is a schematic view showing a tunnel entrance with guide wire;

FIG. 70 is a schematic view showing an elliptical tibial aimer for assessing footprint and aiming the guide wire;

FIG. 71 is a schematic view showing a plug with a canted tip to achieve an anatomic footprint and “splay” the ligament grafts;

FIG. 72 is a schematic view showing an example of an alternatively shaped FLS (or TLS);

FIG. 73 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 74 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation screw;

FIG. 75 is a schematic view showing a femoral ligament spacer;

FIG. 76 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation screw aligned with a femoral ligament spacer;

FIG. 77 is a schematic view showing an assembled femoral fixation device;

FIG. 78 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 79A is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 79B is a schematic view showing femoral fixation with tissue graft;

FIG. 80 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 81 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 82 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 83 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 84A is a schematic view showing a guide pin and a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 84B is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device, a guide pin and ligament grafts;

FIG. 85 is a schematic view showing a ligament spacer alignment tool;

FIG. 86 is a schematic view showing a hex wrench and ligament spacer alignment tool;

FIG. 87 is a schematic view showing a hex wrench extending through a ligament spacer alignment tool;

FIG. 88A is a schematic view showing a ligament spacer alignment tool over a guide pin;

FIG. 88B is a schematic view showing a ligament spacer alignment tool, femoral fixation device and ligament grafts;

FIG. 89A is a schematic view showing a hex wrench about to engage a femoral fixation screw;

FIG. 89B is a schematic view like that of FIG. 89A, except also showing a tissue graft;

FIG. 90 is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 91A is a schematic view showing tools engaged with a femoral fixation device;

FIG. 91B is a schematic view showing tools engaged with a femoral fixation device, and showing ligament grafts;

FIG. 92 is a schematic view showing insertion of the femoral fixation device;

FIG. 93A is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device seated in the femur;

FIG. 93B is a schematic view showing a femoral fixation device seated in the femur, with ligament grafts being shown;

FIG. 94A is a schematic view showing a final femoral construct;

FIG. 94B is a schematic view showing a final femoral construct, with ligament graft;

FIG. 95A is a schematic view showing a final femoral construct;

FIG. 95B is a schematic view showing a final femoral construct, with ligament graft;

FIG. 96 is a schematic view showing a tibial ligament spacer;

FIG. 97 is a schematic view showing a tibial ligament spacer;

FIG. 98 is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation screw;

FIG. 99 is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation screw;

FIG. 100 is a schematic view showing a tibial ligament spacer aligned with a tibial fixation screw;

FIG. 101A is a schematic view showing a tibial ligament spacer assembled to a tibial fixation screw;

FIG. 101B is a schematic view showing a tibial ligament spacer with angled lead-in;

FIG. 102A is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation device;

FIG. 102B is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation device and a ligament graft;

FIG. 103 is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation device disposed over a tibial alignment pin;

FIG. 104 is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation device, a guide pin, and hex wrench;

FIG. 105 is a schematic view showing a guide pin;

FIG. 106 is a schematic view showing a tibial alignment pin;

FIG. 107 is a schematic view showing a guide pin;

FIG. 108 is a schematic view showing a guide pin;

FIG. 109A is a schematic view showing a ligament tensioning bar disposed over a guide pin;

FIG. 109B is a schematic view showing a ligament tensioning bar disposed over the tibial alignment pin, and showing ligament graft sutures;

FIG. 110 is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation device, a wrench, and a tensioning bar disposed over a guide pin;

FIG. 111A is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation device and a hex wrench disposed over a guide pin;

FIG. 111B is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation device and a wrench disposed over a guide pin, and showing ligament graft;

FIG. 112 is a schematic view showing a wrench engaged with a tibial fixation screw;

FIG. 113A is a schematic view showing the overall tibial system;

FIG. 113B is a schematic view showing the overall tibial system, with ligament graft and sutures;

FIG. 114 is a schematic view showing the overall tibial system;

FIG. 115 is a schematic view showing a wrench tightening the tibial fixation device into position;

FIG. 116 is a schematic view showing a tibial fixation device in position;

FIG. 117 is a schematic view showing instrumentation disengaged from the tibial fixation device;

FIG. 118 is a schematic view showing tibial and femoral fixation devices in place;

FIG. 119A is a schematic view showing tibial and femoral fixation devices in place;

FIG. 119B is a schematic view showing tibial and femoral fixation devices in place, with graft ligaments;

FIG. 119C is a schematic view showing tibial and femoral fixation devices in position;

FIG. 119D is a schematic view showing tibial and femoral fixation devices in position, with graft ligament;

FIG. 120A is a schematic view showing tibial and femoral fixation devices in position;

FIG. 120B is a schematic view showing tibial and femoral fixation devices in position, with graft ligament;

FIG. 121A is a schematic view showing a spacer orientation guide;

FIG. 121B is a schematic view showing insertion of a spacer orientation guide into the femoral tunnel;

FIG. 122 is a schematic view showing a spacer orientation guide fully inserted into the femoral tunnel and aligned with the bone surface;

FIG. 123 is a schematic view showing a bone marked in the same location as the guide alignment mark;

FIG. 124A is a schematic view showing a spacer alignment tool with alignment marking;

FIG. 124B is a schematic view showing a femoral ligament spacer having an alignment marking;

FIG. 125 is a schematic view showing an FLS tightened, with its marking aligned with a marking on the bone;

FIG. 126 is a schematic view showing an FLS in place and aligned with a bone mark;

FIG. 127 is a schematic view showing a spacer orientation guide aligned with a tibial surface;

FIG. 128 is a schematic view showing an alignment marking on a tibia;

FIG. 129 is a schematic view showing an alignment marking on a tibial ligament spacer; and

FIG. 130 is a schematic view showing a TLS inserted and aligned with a marking on the tibial surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As noted above, the present invention provides new apparatus and method for fixation of the ACL which addresses deficiencies in the prior art. The new apparatus secures the graft ligament along the entire periphery of the elliptical bone tunnel entrance so as to provide complete fixation of the ligament graft and to spread the ligament graft over the natural anatomic footprint of the ACL insertions of both the tibia and femur. As an additional benefit, the new apparatus substantially completely fills the bony defect resulting from the drilling process. The elliptical opening of the bone tunnel no longer becomes a detriment, but rather an asset, towards achieving a more accurate anatomic reconstruction.

First Preferred Construction and Method of Use

In accordance with the present invention, and looking now at FIGS. 17A and 17B (which show the left knee), the femoral tunnel is prepared by first placing a guide pin 25 into the anatomic location of the femoral ACL insertion. It is desirable for the guide pin 25 to enter the intercondylar notch at an angle to avoid the adjacent medial condyle as well as the tibial plateau. As noted above, this angle of approach results in the formation of the aforementioned elliptical femoral tunnel entrance.

From a top view (FIG. 17C), with the knee in 90° flexion, the path of the guide pin 25 is shown as it passes the medial condyle and enters the medial aspect of the intercondylar notch. The guide pin 25 enters at an angle β from the sagittal plane. The angle β is significant, in order to clear the adjacent medial condyle and to create the elliptical tunnel entrance.

Placement of the guide pin 25 in this manner allows access to the anatomic femoral insertion of the ACL. The drill 30 is then slid over the guide pin 25 (FIG. 18), through the anteromedial portal 45, past the medial condyle and tibial plateau, and into the anatomic location of the femoral ACL insertion.

The femoral tunnel 40 (FIG. 19A) is then drilled, and the result is a circular bore hole with an elliptical tunnel entrance. This portion of the technique is similar to that which was presented earlier, except that it is completed with the understanding that the angled entrance to the femoral tunnel contributes in a positive manner to creating a more anatomic tunnel entrance. As such, the surgeon does not try to “straighten” out the tunnel to achieve a circular entrance, but rather may slightly increase the angle β to achieve the more anatomic elliptical entrance. This is a significant advantage over the prior art.

Similarly, the tibial tunnel (FIG. 19B) is prepared by first drilling a guide pin 25 (with the aid of a drill guide 20) through the anteromedial surface of the tibia 10, exiting through the anatomic center of the ACL insertion on the tibial plateau (as previously described). The angle α₂ of the tibial tunnel can be smaller than the original angle α in a typical reconstruction, because the elliptical/oval nature of the tibial tunnel exit into the joint space contributes to the anatomic reconstruction due to the novel aspects of the present invention. This can be a significant advantage over the prior art, since a shorter tunnel means less trauma to the tibia and more space on the bone surface below the tibial tunnel for other surgical procedures, if needed. The drill guide 20 is removed, and the cannulated drill is placed over the guide pin 25. The cannulated drill is then drilled from the outside of the tibia through to the tibial plateau, exiting the tibia at the anatomic footprint of the ACL insertion. FIG. 19C illustrates the effect of the angle α₂ on the tunnel entrance into the joint space (i.e., FIG. 19C shows a circular section 95 for reference, a conventional ellipse 100 formed by a bone tunnel drilled at angle α, and the elongated ellipse 105 formed by a bone tunnel drilled at angle α₂ in accordance with the present invention). As seen in FIG. 19C, the tibial tunnel entrance into the joint space becomes a more elongated ellipse, increasing the footprint of the ACL graft insertion and contributing to a more anatomic reconstruction.

The prepared graft ligament 50 is then inserted through the tibial tunnel and into the femoral tunnel. This is done in a manner similar to the method described earlier, i.e., the graft ligament 50 is folded over at 55 such that there are two graft bundles 60, 65 that make up the aggregate ligament graft (FIG. 7A). Sutures are looped around the graft at the area 55 where the graft is folded over. A guide pin (not shown), with an eyelet for passing the sutures, is inserted through the tibial tunnel 35, through the joint space and through the femoral tunnel 40. The guide pin exits through the skin opposite the femoral tunnel. The sutures are then grasped (e.g., with a clamp) and the graft is pulled through the tibial tunnel, through the joint space and into the femoral tunnel. The AM and PL graft bundles (i.e., the graft bundles 60, 65) are manipulated into their approximate anatomic locations.

Next, and looking at FIGS. 20-23, a new femoral fixation device 110, comprising a femoral fixation screw (FFS) 115 and a femoral ligament spacer (FLS) 120, is introduced into the femoral tunnel 40 so as to fixate the graft ligament into place within the femoral tunnel.

More particularly, femoral fixation screw (FFS) 115 comprises a screw body 125 with a necked down region 130 and a head 135. The body 125 of femoral fixation screw (FFS) 115 provides aperture ligament fixation as it is screwed into the femoral tunnel. The fixation screw 115 tapers or curves to a narrow distal end to allow easy starting and insertion into the femoral tunnel. Also, the femoral fixation screw 115 is cannulated at 140 to allow the use of a guide pin to guide the femoral fixation screw straight into the femoral tunnel. A hex socket 145 (or hexalobe socket, square socket or other shaped socket) resides at the near end of the femoral fixation screw to engage with an insertion (tightening) tool.

The femoral ligament spacer (FLS) 120 comprises a substantially tubular body 150 which is cut off at an angle to form an elliptical face 155. The tubular body 150 has in internal diameter 160 that is opened up at 165 to receive and capture the screw head 135 of FFS 115, as will hereinafter be discussed. The femoral ligament spacer 120 spreads the AM and PL bundles as the femoral fixation screw 115 is tightened into place. The femoral ligament spacer 120 can rotate freely on the femoral fixation screw 115, thus allowing the desired alignment of the ligaments. Furthermore, the angled surface 155 of the femoral ligament spacer 120 aligns to the bony surface of the femur such that the bony defect (i.e., the elliptical entrance to the femoral tunnel) is completely filled, and the ligament graft fully supported, about the entire elliptical mouth of the bone tunnel. The angled surface 155 of the FLS 120 may be formed or manufactured in a variety of angles or shapes to best match the mouth of the femoral tunnel. The angled surface 155 corresponds to the angle β (FIG. 17C) and closely approximates the contour of the mouth of the femoral tunnel.

As seen in FIG. 23, the femoral ligament spacer 120 is captured onto the femoral fixation screw 115 by means of a reversed external thread formed on the head 135 of the screw 115 and a reversed internal thread 170 formed on the distal end of femoral ligament spacer 120. To assemble FLS 120 on FFS 115, the FLS 120 is aligned with the FFS 115 as shown in FIG. 22, and the two parts are screwed together as shown in FIG. 23 until head 135 of FFS 115 is rotatably received in the enlarged diameter 165 of FLS 120. In essence, the “necked down” region of FLS 120 which resides distal to enlarged diameter 165 of FLS 120, and which carries internal thread 170 thereon, rotatably captures the FLS 120 to FFS 115.

Once assembled in this manner, the femoral ligament spacer 120 rotates freely around the groove 130 in the femoral fixation screw 115. The cross-sectional view in FIG. 23 illustrates how the FLS 120 is rotatably retained onto the FFS 115. It should be appreciated that this method of attachment is meant merely as an example of a preferred construction; other means may be used for rotatably capturing the FLS 120 onto the FFS 115, such as a separate screw fastener to hold the FLS to the FFS, or a pressed-in stake with a head to capture the FLS to the FFS, etc. Note that the femoral ligament spacer 120 provides access to the drive channel of the femoral fixation screw 115 via the axial opening 160 extending through the femoral ligament spacer (FIG. 23). The reverse threads 170 inside the FLS 120 are completely disengaged from the threads on the head 135 of the FFS 115 after assembly. This allows the FLS 120 to rotate freely about the head 135 of the FFS 115.

The femoral ligament spacer 120 functions as a means to align graft ligament strands into the mouth of the femoral tunnel and to completely fill the bony defect at the mouth of the femoral tunnel. The femoral ligament spacer 120 can be positioned so as to spread the ligaments into their anatomic position, regardless of the rotational position of the femoral fixation screw 115 within the femoral tunnel. Thus, the construction of femoral fixation device 110 allows the rotational position of femoral ligament spacer 120 to be optimized for ligament position and ligament support, since it is independent of the rotational position of femoral fixation screw 115. Furthermore, femoral fixation device 110 may function as a “strain relief”, allowing the tension in the ligament graft to spread over the length of the femoral fixation device. The components of the femoral fixation device 110 may be made from metal, plastic or bioabsorbable material. The femoral fixation device is inserted into the femoral tunnel as an assembled unit. See FIG. 24.

The end view shown in FIG. 25 illustrates the contours on the sides of the FLS 120 for ligament alignment. The outer wall 175 of FLS 120 is shaped with ligament recesses 180 to further engage with, and provide alignment of, the graft ligament strands 60, 65. The shape of the ligament spacer recesses 180 may comprise a variety of shapes to allow space for the ligament graft strands 60, 65.

The particular ligament recesses 180 shown are provided for example only and may consist of other shapes such as flats, concave surfaces, corrugated surfaces, etc. The hole 160 through the center of the FLS 120 is for the insertion tool to pass through the FLS 120 and access FFS 115, thereby allowing the entire assembly to be tightened into place. The FLS 120 has smooth radii around critical corners to ensure strain relieved fixation of the ligament graft bundles.

The FLS 120 is sized relative to the diameter of the FFS 115. The larger outer portion of the FLS 120 may be larger than the diameter of FFS 115 to create an interference fit with the bone tunnel and to further spread the ligament graft strands apart and to secure the FLS 120 into the bone. This larger FLS diameter, nestled between the graft recesses, has a self-aligning capability. As the femoral fixation device 110 is tightened into place, the larger outer portions of FLS 120 glide on the bone surface, centering the spacer onto the elliptical entrance of the femoral bone tunnel, and thus separating the ligament strands 60, 65 into their AM and PL anatomic location.

The end 155 of the FLS 120 is angled (approximately equal to β) to create the mating elliptical, oval shape to fill the elliptical, oval-shaped entrance of the femoral tunnel. The angled shape of the femoral ligament spacer 120 fills the bone tunnel entrance and urges the ligament graft up against the tunnel entrance to mimic the wider anatomic footprint of the natural femoral insertion. The interference portion of the femoral ligament spacer 120 (i.e., the tips of FLS 120 that engage tightly with the bone) guides the femoral ligament spacer into the proper orientation on the bone. A side view of the femoral fixation device 110 is shown in FIG. 26A. The aforementioned angle β is illustrated in FIG. 26B.

In the bottom view of femoral ligament spacer 120 (FIG. 27), the FLS 120 is shown with a lead-in surface 185 that helps start the FLS into the femoral tunnel. The canted surface 155 is shown on the right portion of the image.

It will be appreciated that rotation of the femoral fixation screw 115 seats the femoral ligament spacer 120 into the bone, thus securing the ligaments into their anatomic position (i.e., via an interference fit effected by femoral fixation screw 115 along the more distal portion of the femoral fixation device 110 and via an interference fit effected by the femoral ligament spacer 120 along the more proximal portion of the femoral fixation device 110).

Returning now to the preferred method of use, and looking now at FIG. 28, the guide pin 25 is pulled back or re-inserted through the ligament graft. The femoral fixation device 110 (i.e., FFS 115 and FLS 120, with FLS 120 being rotatably captured on FFS 115) are inserted over the guide pin. The femoral fixation device 110 is screwed into the femoral tunnel with the hex tool 190 (which passes through FLS 120 to engage the hex drive 145 on FFS 115) and with the ligament grafts 60, 65 positioned into their approximate anatomic locations. The femoral fixation device 110 is preferably introduced into the femoral tunnel with the use of the guide pin 25, as shown in FIG. 28.

The AM bundle 60 and PL bundle 65 separate from each other onto the opposite sides of the FLS 120 as the FLS begins to engage with the mouth of the bone tunnel. The AM bundle 60 and PL bundle 65 may be manipulated to spread out, with one bundle on each side of the FLS. The ligament graft bundles 60, 65 then align with, and fit in between, the recesses 180 on the FLS and the periphery of the bone tunnel. As the femoral ligament spacer 120 begins to engage with the bone surface, the surface of the FLS adjusts its rotational position (or may be manipulated into the desired rotational position) urging the ligament graft strands 60, 65 into their respective AM and PL bundle locations. See FIGS. 29 and 30.

The femoral fixation device 110 provides at least the following useful functions in ligament fixation:

(1) The final reconstructed ligament more closely imitates the natural anatomic footprint of the femoral ACL insertion, resulting in a biomechanically superior reconstruction. The AM and PL bundles are spread out over the elliptical anatomic footprint at the mouth of the femoral tunnel, with the femoral ligament spacer 120 holding the graft ligament to the rim of the bone tunnel about the periphery of the elliptical mouth of the bone tunnel.

(2) The ligament is secured through the entire periphery of the bone tunnel, eliminating the possible “windshield wiper” action of the graft ligament over the bone surface. This “windshield wiper” action can lead to wear of the ligament, wear of the bone surface, widening of the bone tunnel, and potentially a failed reconstruction.

(3) In the event that the graft ligament needs to be revised at a later date, the entire construct can be easily removed, simply by loosening the interference screw (i.e., the femoral fixation screw 115) from the femur. The femoral ligament spacer 120 and the femoral fixation screw 115 (i.e., the interference screw) will remove as a single assembly, aiding in the revision process. Again, the opening in the FLS 120 allows access to the drive socket 145 in FFS 115 so as to allow removal of FFS 115 (and hence the complete femoral fixation device 110) from the femur.

(4) The femoral ligament spacer 120 also provides strain relief. The strain on the ligament graft is spread over the length of the femoral ligament spacer, rather than the abrupt strain resulting from the transition of a highly compressed ligament graft emerging from a standard interference screw/bone interface.

(5) Inasmuch as the present invention makes the formation of an elliptical femoral bone tunnel opening an asset rather than a liability, the motivation for drilling the femoral tunnel with the knee in deep flexion is significantly reduced, which can reduce trauma to the patient's knee during the surgical procedure.

See also FIGS. 31A, 31B and 32.

A similar ligament spacer is utilized for tibial fixation. However, in this version of the invention, and looking now at FIGS. 33-37A, the tibial ligament spacer (TLS) 195 is introduced first, and independently from, the tibial fixation screw (TFS) 200. The TLS 195 and the TFS 200 together form the complete tibial fixation device 201. The TLS 195 is introduced through the accessory anteromedial portal 45. It may be introduced with a clamp or a special tool (not shown) that clips over the TLS. See FIG. 33.

The TLS 195 is shown in detail in FIG. 34. There are similar features on the TLS 195 as on the FLS 120. The features include the canted surface 205 to form the elliptical shape, the lead-in 210 to aid insertion into the bone tunnel, the recessed surfaces 215 for fixating the ligament in the bone tunnel, and the cannulation 220 through the center of the TLS 195 to receive a guide wire 25. The primary difference between the tibial ligament spacer 195 and the aforementioned femoral ligament spacer 120 is that the tibial ligament spacer 195 has an extension 225 from the body of the spacer that is threaded (FIG. 34). This threaded extension 225 engages with the tibial fixation screw 200 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 37A) during the installation of the tibial fixation screw so that TLS 195 is connected to TFS 200, as will hereinafter be discussed. The threaded extension 225 of TLS 195 is initially used during the installation of the TLS in order to secure the TLS into place. The threaded extension 225 is also cannulated, allowing a guide pin 25 to pass through its center. The threaded extension 225 has a thread pitch that is specifically formed to reduce, or compress, the construct (i.e., the complete tibial fixation device 201, consisting of the united TLS 195 and TFS 200) during final installation (discussed below). The angled face 205 on TLS 195 may be formed, or manufactured, in a variety of angles to match various tibial surfaces.

The tibial fixation screw (TFS) 200 is shown in FIGS. 35, 36 and 37A. The tibial fixation screw 200 consists of a body of threads for fixating the ligament graft against the bone tunnel wall via an interference fit. The distal end of tibial fixation screw 200 has a counterbore 230 that is threaded to engage with the threaded extension 225 of the TLS 195 (see FIGS. 36 and 37A). Alternatively, the TFS 200 may be made of plastic and the counterbore 230 may be self-tapping or self-thread-forming as it engages with the TLS 195. The tibial fixation screw 200 is cannulated throughout its length. The tibial fixation screw 200 is preferably tapered toward its distal end to help with starting the tibial fixation screw 200 into the tibial bone tunnel.

FIG. 36 illustrates the TFS 200 and the TLS 195 in unassembled form. The external threads on the TLS 195 may have a pitch equal to the tibial fixation screw threads, or slightly less. A slightly smaller pitch will result in additional reduction (compression) during final tightening of the TFS 200 to the TLS 195. In other words, as the tibial fixation screw (TFS) 200 is tightened to the tibial ligament spacer (TLS) 195, the external threads on the TLS extension 225 may advance slightly faster into the TFS 200 than the TFS 200 advances into the bone tunnel, thus compressing the TFS and the TLS together as the TFS is tightened into the bone tunnel.

In the final assembly of the TLS and the TFS (FIG. 37A), the tibial fixation screw 200 tightens up against, or very near to, the proximal surface of the TLS 195.

FIG. 37 b illustrates the correspondence of angle α from the tunnel drilling technique to the canted surface 205 of the tibial ligament spacer 195. The angled surface 205 at angle α creates a close anatomic alignment between the bone surface and the tibial fixation device 201, and also secures the ligament grafts into their anatomic positions.

Similar to the femoral fixation device 110, the tibial fixation device 201 has graft recesses 215 on the top and bottom side of the tibial ligament spacer 195 to urge the ligaments into their anatomic positions. See FIG. 38. The recesses 215 shown are again crescent-shaped (like the recesses for the femoral ligament spacer), but could be in some other form if desired.

The TLS 195 is sized relative to the tibial fixation screw 200. In this design, the graft recesses 215 are smaller in size than the diameter of tibial fixation screw 200 (FIG. 38). The interference portions 235 of TLS 195 are larger than the screw diameter for alignment and ligament separation.

The tibial ligament spacer 195 functions as a means to align the ligament strands 60, 65 into the bone tunnel and to fill the bony defect at the mouth of the bone tunnel. The tibial ligament spacer 195 can be positioned to spread the ligament strands 60, 65 into their anatomic position, regardless of the rotational position of the tibial fixation screw 200. The components of tibial fixation device 201 may be made from metal, plastic or bioabsorbable material. The tibial fixation device 201 is advanced into the tibia as separate pieces, with the TLS 195 being advanced from the joint side (e.g., through AM portal 45) and the TFS 200 being advanced from the exterior tibial surface (i.e., through the tibial tunnel), and thereafter joined together in situ (see below). FIG. 39 shows the assembled tibial fixation device 201 in an isometric view.

Returning now to the discussion of the surgical technique for effecting tibial fixation of the graft ligament using tibial fixation device 201, a long cannulated positioning device 240 is introduced through the tibial tunnel (FIG. 40), between the strands of the ligament graft. The positioning device 240 is tightened onto the threaded portion of the tibial ligament spacer (TLS) 195. The positioning device 240 has a slidable impactor, or slap hammer 245, at the proximal end of the positioning device. The positioning device 240 is used to orient the TLS 195 to fill the mouth of the elliptical bone tunnel. The slidable impactor 245 is then used to seat the TLS 195 into the tibial tunnel, with the ligaments spread appropriately (AM bundle on the anteromedial side and PL bundle on the posterolateral side) of the bone tunnel. A unique aspect of the TLS 195 is that it provides ligament tensioning during its insertion. See FIG. 41.

Next, a guide pin 25 is inserted through the cannulated positioning device 240 and through the TLS 195, as shown in FIG. 42.

The cannulated positioning device 240 is then removed, leaving the guide wire 25, the TLS 195 and the partially fixated ligaments (not shown) in the tibial tunnel. The tibial fixation screw 200 is then inserted over the guide wire 25. See FIG. 43.

With tension applied to the ligament strands (FIG. 44), the tibial fixation screw 200 is advanced into place (including into engagement with the tibial ligament spacer 195) with a cannulated hex (or other socket configuration) wrench. TFS 200 compresses the ligament strands 60, 65 against the wall of the bone tunnel as it advances up the bone tunnel, thereby effecting an interference fixation of the graft ligament with the tibia. See FIG. 44, which shows the ligament strands with external tension, the partially inserted tibial fixation screw 200, the guide pin 25 and the tibial ligament spacer 195.

The tibial fixation screw 200 may be tightened until it is flush with the tibia (i.e., with the proximal entrance of the bone tunnel) or until it bottoms out onto the TLS 195. As described earlier, the thread pitches may be designed specifically to compress or reduce the construct as the tibial fixation screw 200 is tightened into place. After the tibial fixation screw 200 has engaged with the tibial ligament spacer 195, the tibial fixation screw 200 is completely tightened into place against the tibial ligament spacer 195. The guide wire 25 is then removed and the external ligament strands 60, 65 are trimmed up to the external surface of the tibia 10. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view showing engagement of the TLS 195 with the TFS 200.

See FIG. 46 for the completed reconstructed anatomic ACL using the femoral fixation device 110 and tibial fixation device 201. With this reconstruction, the AM and PL bundles 60, 65 are tensioned and fixated into their anatomic positions on both the femur and the tibia.

The tibial fixation device 201 provides at least the following useful functions in ligament fixation:

(1) The final reconstructed ligament more closely imitates the natural anatomic footprint of the tibial ligament insertion, resulting in a biomechanically improved reconstruction. The AM and PL bundles are spread out over the elliptical anatomic footprint at the joint-side mouth of the tibial tunnel.

(2) The ligament is secured over the entire perimeter of the tibial tunnel, eliminating the “windshield wiper” action of the graft ligament over the tunnel entrance at the bone surface. This “windshield wiper” action can lead to wear of the ligament, wear of the bone surface, widening of the bone tunnel, and potentially a failed reconstruction.

(3) The bony defect from the drilling process is substantially completely filled by the tibial fixation device.

(4) The action of inserting the TLS 195 into the tunnel provides tensioning of the ligament graft for easy insertion, ensuring tension to the graft bundles.

(5) The action of rotating the interference screw (i.e., TFS 200) into place further fixates the ligament graft bundles, and may be used to draw the TLS 195 slightly deeper into the tibial bone tunnel for additional security of the fixation.

(6) In the event that the ligament needs to be revised at a later date, the tibial fixation screw 200 is removed by unscrewing the interference screw from the tibia. The tibial ligament spacer 195 is then grasped again with the positioning device 240 and then pulled completely through the tibial tunnel for removal.

(7) The tibial ligament spacer 195 provides a strain relief to distribute the stress over the face of the device to create a smooth and gradual transition from the compression of the tibial fixation screw 200.

Alternatives for the First Preferred Construction and Method of Use

Alternative designs are envisioned for the femoral ligament spacer (FLS) 120 and/or the tibial ligament spacer (TLS) 195.

The femoral ligament spacer (FLS) 120 and/or the tibial ligament spacer (TLS) 195 have been described above as a solid shape with a hole through the center. However, it may be desirable to have a porous version of the FLS 120 and/or the TLS 195. Porosity or larger fenestrations would allow bone to grow into, or through, the spacers. In addition to enhancing the fixation of the devices, this allows bone and ligament growth and regeneration along the surface of the FLS 120 and/or along the surface of the TLS 195, further enhancing the anatomic footprint of the reconstruction. The porosity may be formed into the spacer material itself, or it may be in the form of holes or penetrations extending through the spacer body, e.g., as exemplified in FIGS. 47-50. These fenestrations may extend radially (“side holes”) and/or longitudinally (“end holes”), etc. The fenestrations may be configured such that the side holes and end holes are interconnected, providing a biologic communication between the fenestrations.

In other versions of the devices, there may be graft recesses, fenestrations (or a porous material) and small barbed features 250 (FIGS. 51-54) on the interference portion of the femoral ligament spacer 120 and/or on the interference portion of the tibial ligament spacer 195 to resist graft migration. These features may be directed such that they do not substantially resist the insertion of the ligament spacer into bone, but the barbed feature provides significant resistance to ligament movement as a result of the tension imposed on the ligament.

FIGS. 55-57 show fenestrated femoral ligament spacers 120 and fenestrated tibial ligament spacers 195 deployed in bone.

In another version of the invention, the femoral tunnel is drilled in a different manner and the femoral ligament spacer 120 is configured differently to further expand the anatomic footprint. More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 58 and 59, the femoral bone tunnel is drilled with a counterbore at the mouth of the tunnel (i.e., at the entrance into the joint space). This may be accomplished by first placing the guide pin 25 as before, drilling the smaller tunnel using a cannulated drill 30A of the first diameter, and then drilling the larger tunnel (i.e., the counterbore) using a cannulated drill 30B of a second, larger diameter. The guide pin 25, the smaller tunnel, and the larger tunnel are all aligned on the same centerline, i.e., they are co-axial.

Or the tunnels may be drilled in a single drilling step with the use of a cannulated stepped drill 30C as shown in FIG. 60. The cannulated stepped drill 30C starts with a smaller diameter, and then steps up to a larger diameter for the counterbore portion of the drilling process.

Drilling the smaller and larger counterbored holes with the stepped drill bit is shown in FIG. 61.

With this arrangement of bore and counterbore, the FLS 120 is of a larger size and shape than that of the femoral fixation screw 115 (FIG. 62). The advantage of this arrangement is to further spread the ligaments over a larger elliptical anatomic footprint relative to the smaller tunnel diameter, thereby allowing the reconstruction to match with larger natural anatomic footprints. This may also have the advantage of using a smaller femoral interference screw 115 and a smaller distal bone tunnel, thereby reducing the size of the distal femoral tunnel and reducing the amount of bone material removed.

Other details of this configuration of the femoral fixation device 110 may also be different from the previously described femoral fixation device 110. With the larger FLS 120 and smaller FFS 115, the FLS 120 can now be assembled from the other end of the FFS 115. FIGS. 63 and 64 show the exploded view, and the subsequent cross-sectional view, after assembly of the components to form the complete femoral fixation device 110. In this form of the invention, the FFS 115 is assembled through the FLS 120 by passage of the FLS 120 over the FFS threads. The head of the FFS 115 then stops on the inside face of the FLS 120. This arrangement has the advantage of a simplified manufacturing technique, eliminating the need for the reverse threads on the head of the FFS 115 (or other means for FLS retention, such as a bonded head to capture the FLS 120 to the FFS 115). The other features of the femoral ligament spacer 120 preferably remain similar to the previously described FLS, such as the ligament recesses, the fenestrations and the retaining barbs. The reverse thread 170 is not utilized in this version of the FLS 120 because of the different assembly process and the head features.

The expanded femoral fixation device 110 is then installed (FIGS. 65 and 66). The expanded femoral fixation device 110 is slid over the guide wire 25, introduced through the AM portal and brought into proximity of the femoral tunnel. The ligaments are then manipulated to their approximate anatomic positions and the femoral fixation device 110 is tightened into place. As the device is tightened, FFS 115 binds the ligament bundles to the femur with an interference fit and FLS 120 binds the ligament bundles to the femur with an interference fit. As the device is tightened into the femur, the AM and PL bundles 60, 65 are further separated by the FLS 120.

In another version of the instrumentation, a specially shaped guide wire aimer 255 (FIG. 67) can be used to show the anticipated footprint of the femoral and tibial ACL reconstruction. The aimer 255 is constructed as a cannulated tube that guides the wire, but with an elliptical face 260 on the distal end of the tube to align with the femoral surface. The aimer 255 can be rotated and moved to closely approximate the femoral ACL insertion (FIG. 68). The femoral aimer 255 may also have a one or more prongs (not shown) protruding from its face 260 to register onto the bone surface. The aimer 255 (and the FLS 120 and TLS 195) may be manufactured with various degrees of angled faces (i.e., at different angles) that allow the devices to be aligned to individual patient anatomy.

The tunnel is then drilled with the cannulated drill and the slanted, elliptical shape of the femoral tunnel exit approximates the outline of the femoral guide wire aimer 255, as shown in FIG. 69.

Similarly, on the tibial side, a pointer 265 with an elliptical shape can be used to visualize the tibial tunnel as it appears in the joint space. See FIG. 70.

In another version of the invention, the femoral fixation device comprises a simple plug 270 with a canted surface 275. See FIG. 71.

In another version of the invention, the FLS 120 (and TLS 195) may have a different shape than that disclosed above, e.g., the spacers may have a shape such as the exemplary FLS 120 shown in FIG. 72. In this form of the invention, there are indentations 280 in the ligament spacer to provide more space for the graft to reside. The near end of the spacer may be canted or flat (in the preferred form of the FLS 120, the proximal end of the FLS is canted, in the preferred form of the TLS 195, the proximal end of the TLS is flat). Also, instead of mating with a threaded fixation screw, a bullet shaped interference fixation plug 270 may form the distal end of the femoral fixation device. The bullet shaped device may have other features such as barbs, ribs, fenestrations and recesses for providing additional fixation and ligament alignment.

In another version of the femoral ligament spacer 120 (FIG. 73), the hole through the spacer has additional features, such as a hexagonal-shaped bore for engagement with a hex tool (Allen wrench) to help rotate the FLS 120 to ensure full perimeter filling of the bone defect. Rotation of the FLS may also be desirable prior to fully tightening the FLS 120 into place in order to position the AM and PL bundles into their correct anatomic positions. The tool features could take on alternate forms such as a slot or spanner wrench, as long as the size of the central bore in the FLS is adequately maintained to get a smaller wrench through the femoral ligament spacer to engage with the femoral fixation screw, whereby to tighten the assembly into place. FIG. 73 shows the femoral ligament spacer 120 with engagement tool features (hex shape) through the center for rotating the FLS 120 relative to the FFS 115.

Second Preferred Construction and Method of Use

The pages that follow describe alternative, and in some cases preferred, embodiments for the femoral fixation device 110 and the tibial fixation device 201 that make up the complete anatomic ACL reconstruction system. The alternative version of the femoral fixation device 110 is described first, followed by the description of the alternative version of the tibial fixation device 201.

The alternative femoral fixation device 110 consists of a femoral fixation screw 115 (FIG. 74) and a femoral ligament spacer 120 (FIG. 75).

Looking now at FIG. 74, the femoral fixation screw 115 includes a tapered threaded body that presses the graft ligament against the tunnel drilled into the bone so as to make an interference fit. It also has a cannulation through its length in order to slide along a guide pin 25 as it is tightened into place. The head of the screw consists of a reverse thread 135 for retaining the femoral ligament spacer 120, and a hex socket 145 in the head for tightening FFS 115 into bone.

Looking now at FIG. 75, the femoral ligament spacer 120 rotates freely after assembled onto the femoral fixation screw 115. The femoral ligament spacer 120 is made from biocompatible metal, plastic, absorbable ceramic, bone graft material or a combination of these materials. The FLS 120 has two or more tab-like features 285 extending from the sides to separate the two or more bundles of the ligament graft. Each tab 285 has one (shown) or more teeth (or barbs) 290 protruding from the side. The teeth 290 are oriented to provide resistance to being pulled out of the bone tunnel. The front face 155 of the FLS 120 is canted, or sloped, to approximately match the surface of the bone at the mouth of the bone tunnel, i.e., at approximately the angle β. A socket 295 is formed into the canted face 155 to permit insertion of tooling through FLS 120 to tighten the FFS 115, and also indentations 300 are formed into canted face 155 for receiving a separate tool to rotate and align the FLS 120 to its most anatomic position, or the position where the canted surface is most congruent to the adjacent bone surface. This device 120 may vary by having additional barbs, holes (fenestrations) throughout the device, and/or various shaped recesses for the graft.

The two components (i.e., the FFS 115 and the FLS 120) are brought into axial alignment as shown in FIG. 76. The two components are assembled together by use of a reverse (left hand) thread (preferred) or, alternatively, another mechanism such as a right hand thread or a retaining ring or other feature, etc. The left hand thread is advantageous because there is minimal risk of the FLS 120 coming free of the FFS 115 as the device is tightened into place.

FIG. 77 shows the two components 115 and 120 fastened together by use of the left hand thread so as to form the complete femoral fixation device 110. The threads 135 of the FFS 115 and the threads 170 of the FLS 120 are short so that the threads disengage from one another when the FLS 120 is fully assembled onto the FFS 115 (FIG. 78), whereupon the threads 135 of FFS 115 are rotatably received in enlarged diameter 165 of FLS 120. This allows the FLS 120 to spin freely relative to the FFS 115. Thus, the connection between FFS 115 and FLS 120 is similar to the connection discussed above with respect to the first preferred construction of the apparatus.

A cross-sectional view of the assembled femoral fixation device 110 (FIG. 78) further illustrates the assembly of the two components 115, 120 together. The thread length is short enough so that the threads 135, 170 completely disengage when the two pieces are assembled together. The threads 135, 170 then form a retaining feature to hold the two components together, while allowing the femoral ligament spacer 120 to spin freely on the femoral fixation screw 115.

In an end view (FIG. 79A) the relationship between the femoral fixation screw 115 and the femoral ligament spacer 120 is shown. The ligament graft is tightly pressed up against the bone tunnel in the area of the FFS 115. The bone tunnel is usually similar to, or just slightly larger than, the diameter of the FFS 115. The tabs 285 of FLS 120 are at a diameter that is equal to the bone tunnel. The teeth 290 are slightly larger than the bone tunnel, allowing them to grip into the bone. The side recesses 180 of FLS 120 are smaller than the bone tunnel and smaller than the FFS 115 diameter. This allows space for the ligament to reside and be aligned into its desired anatomic position. It also provides an area for the pressure on the ligament to be reduced, thus acting as a stress relief. FIG. 79A shows a femoral ligament spacer 120 that is divided into two sections, separated by the tabs 285. In another version of the invention, the spacer could be divided into 3 or more sections to further split and locate the ligament graft, especially for those cases where a four-stranded ligament graft may be used.

FIG. 79B illustrates the area where the ligament resides between the bone tunnel and the FFS 115 and FLS 120. The cross-hatched area represents the ligament graft.

FIGS. 80-82 are additional views which depict the femoral fixation device 110 in additional orthogonal views.

FIG. 83 is an oblique view of the femoral fixation device 110, looking directly into the angled surface 155.

Looking now at FIG. 84A, after placement of the guide pin 25 through the AM portal at the angle β, the femoral fixation device 110 is introduced onto the guide pin 25 to the proximity of the femoral tunnel 40.

FIG. 84B is the same as FIG. 84A, except showing the graft ligament in place. The portion of the graft ligament entering the tibial tunnel from the joint space and located nearest the front (anterior) portion of the tibia (and slightly medial) is the graft replacement for the anteromedial (AM) bundle 60. The portion of the graft entering the tibial tunnel from the joint space and located slightly posterior (and lateral) is the graft replacement for the posterolateral (PL) bundle 65.

A ligament spacer alignment tool 305 is shown in FIG. 85. Two prongs 310 protrude from the distal end to engage with the indentations 300 of FLS 120, so that ligament spacer alignment tool 305 can be used to turn FLS 120 to the appropriate radial position, whereby to align the canted surface 155 of FLS 120 with the adjacent bone and whereby to appropriately position graft ligament strands 60, 65 as they emerge from the femoral bone tunnel. A through hole 315 is formed through the tool 305 for a hex wrench (see below) to pass through. A hub 320 at the proximal end of the tool (shown with scallops) can be turned to rotate the FLS 120 into desired positions, as will hereinafter be discussed.

In FIG. 86, the ligament spacer alignment tool 305 is shown aligned with the hex wrench 325. The hex wrench 325 could also be some other profile to mate with the FFS 115, such as a square head, or hexalobular head.

The hex wrench 325 slides through the ligament spacer alignment tool 305 as shown in FIG. 87. This allows simultaneous, and independent, rotation and adjustment of the FFS 115 and FLS 120, as will hereinafter be discussed.

More particularly, in FIG. 88A, the instruments are brought into the proximity of the femoral fixation device 110 by sliding them over the guide pin 25.

The femoral fixation device 110 is approximately between the two strands 60, 65 of the ligament graft as shown in FIG. 88B.

The hex wrench 325 (FIGS. 89A and 89B) is advanced closer to the femoral fixation screw 115. Again, from the attachment point into the tibia, the AM bundle 60 is front (anterior) and medial, and the PL bundle 65 is back (posterior) and lateral.

FIG. 90 is an overall view showing the insertion of the femoral fixation device 110 (i.e., showing the guide pin 25, the hex wrench 325, the FLS alignment tool 305 and the femoral fixation device 110.

FIGS. 91A and 91B show the hex wrench 325 and the FLS alignment tool 305 engaged with the FFS 115 and the FLS 120, respectively. The FLS 120 can be held steady with FLS alignment tool 305 (by virtue of prongs 310 of FLS alignment tool 305 being disposed in indentations 300 in FLS 120) while the FFS 115 is rotated by turning the hex wrench 325 (which is an engagement with hex socket 145 of femoral fixation screw 115).

As the FLS 120 gets closer to the femoral tunnel entrance (FIG. 92), it can be rotated with the FLS alignment tool 305 to appropriately align it with the bony surface. It is also rotated to position, or urge, the ligament graft bundles 60, 65 into their desired anatomic positions.

FIGS. 93A and 93B show the femoral fixation device 110 as it is completely seated into the femoral tunnel. The ligament graft is completely fixated to the femur, with the ligament graft bundles 60, 65 located in their proper anatomic positions.

FIGS. 94A and 94B show the final femoral construct with the ligament bundles 60, 65 placed in their proper anatomic locations. The instrumentation is thereafter retracted from the AM portal.

FIGS. 95A and 95B show a larger perspective view of the final construct. The instrumentation is pulled away. The ligament graft bundles are also shown traversing the tibial tunnel with sutures extending from both ligament bundles.

In addition to the advantages previously stated, the alternative femoral fixation device described immediately above provides at least the following useful functions in ligament fixation:

(1) Controlled and careful alignment of the tibial ligament spacer 120 using the TLS alignment tool 305 to independently to control the orientation of the TLS 120, and thus the alignment of the ligament graft, for an improved anatomic reconstruction.

(2) Barbed features 290 on the sides of the TLS 120 enhance the pullout strength of the TLS and the overall femoral fixation construct.

(3) More clearly defined ligament recesses in the TLS to provide a more anatomic reconstruction.

The alternative tibial fixation device 201 (FIGS. 96-101B) is described below. In this version of the invention, the tibial ligament spacer 195 is assembled onto the tibial fixation screw 200 in a manner similar to that of the femoral fixation device 110. However, in the case of the tibial fixation device 201, the TLS 195 is assembled to the leading end of the tibial fixation screw 200 first, and then they are introduced into the tibial tunnel as a unit.

FIG. 96 is an upper isometric view of the tibial ligament spacer 195. TLS 195 is made from biocompatible metal, plastic, absorbable ceramic, bone graft material or a combination of these materials. The outside portion of the spacer 195 consists of a body with the two or more tab features 330 protruding from the sides of TLS 195, the angled surface 205 at the distal end, one or more bumps 335 formed on the periphery of the tabs 330, and a slotted feature 340 for permitting alignment of the TLS 195 within the tibial bone tunnel. The bumps 335 are not the same as the barbs 250 discussed above, which resist motion primarily in one direction. The bumps 335 of this construction allow insertion of the device through the bone tunnel, but resist passing the device all the way through the bone tunnel as they come into proximity with the cortical layer of bone near the top end of the tibia, near the inside of the knee joint.

FIG. 97 is a lower isometric view of the tibial ligament spacer 195. Threads 345 are formed on the inside of the component. The alignment slot 340 is accessible from the inside of the part. The corners of TLS 195 are carefully rounded to permit easy insertion and protection of the soft tissue ligament graft.

The tibial fixation screw 200 is shown in FIG. 98. The tibial fixation screw (TFS) 200 may also be made from a variety of materials but, in the preferred embodiment, comprise a biocompatible metal such as stainless steel, cobalt chrome or titanium (the same is true for other fixation screw components described herein). The distal tip of the TFS 200 has a fine pitch thread 350 that engages with thread 345 of the TLS 195. The fine pitch thread 350 of TFS 200 allows a larger minor thread diameter, permitting a larger cannulation through the body of the TFS 200. The body of the tibial fixation screw 200 has larger smooth threads for compressing the ligament up against the bone tunnel wall. A hole 355 passes through the TFS 200, and may be slightly larger than the hole in the FFS 115. The larger hole (e.g., 3-4 mm diameter) in TFS 200 accommodates a special alignment pin (see below) for rotating the TLS 195 into the proper orientation while the TLS 195 is disposed in the tibial tunnel.

FIG. 99 is another isometric view of the tibial fixation screw 200. The hole 355 shown on the distal end of TFS 200 passes all the way through the body of the screw. A “relief” area 360 exists between the larger ligament-compressing threads formed on the proximal portion of TFS 200 (for engaging the ligament) and the fine pitched threads 350 (for engaging the TLS 195). This clearance allows the threads of the TFS 200 to disengage from the threads of the TLS 195 (FIG. 101A) so that the TLS 195 can rotate freely on TFS 200 after assembly.

FIG. 100 shows the tibial fixation screw 200 and the tibial ligament spacer 195 aligned for assembly to each other.

The two units (i.e., TLS 195 and TFS 200) are assembled together as shown in FIG. 101A. The threads between the TFS 200 and the TLS 195 may be left hand or right hand thread. Right handed threads are preferred so that there is no chance of the TLS 195 disengaging from the TFS 200 during the rotational insertion of the TFS 200. After final assembly, there is a clearance between the two components such that the TLS 195 can rotate freely on the tip of the TFS 195 without engagement with the fine pitch threads 350 of the TFS 200, thus allowing anatomic adjustment and placement of the TLS with the tibia. The angle α₂ (hereafter referred to simply as α in the context describing the TLS) corresponds to the angle of the mouth of the tibial tunnel at the top surface of the tibia. The canted surface 205 of TLS 195 at angle α permits a relatively congruent and continuous surface to the tibia. FIG. 101B shows a version with a conical or wedge-shaped angled surface 356 on the TLS 195 to allow the TLS 195 to be inserted between the ligament grafts more easily and subsequently engage the threads of the TFS 200 to the ligament graft.

The distal end view of the tibial fixation device 201 is shown in FIG. 102A. The relationship between the diameters of the device is illustrated. The features that protrude furthest out from the center of the device are the retaining bumps 335. The outer surfaces of the tabs 330 are approximately the same dimension as the tunnel diameter, thus creating a definitive separation of the ligaments. The outer diameter of the tibial fixation screw 200 is just slightly less (e.g., 0-1 mm less) than the tunnel diameter to tightly compress the ligament against the walls of the bone tunnel. The recessed portion of the TLS 195 provides a space for the ligament strands to reside in the final placement. By appropriately rotating the TLS 195 (see below), the canted face 205 of TLS 195 is aligned with the tibial plateau and the ligament strands are directed to their proper anatomic locations. The slot 340 in the TLS 195 is used to rotationally position the TLS 195 with the tibial alignment pin (see below).

FIG. 102B illustrates what the graft strands 60, 65 look like in an end view cross-section. The graft strands 60, 65 are bound on the outside of the tibial fixation device 201 by the bone tunnel diameter. The graft strands 60, 65 are squeezed between the TFS 200 and the bone tunnel, and are directed into position by the tabs 330 and recesses of the TLS 195. The preferred embodiment comprises two tabs 330, but the TLS 195 might be further subdivided into three or four sections to further differentiate the fibers of the ACL reconstruction.

In the associated surgical procedure, the tibial tunnel is drilled with normal technique, giving consideration to the angles α. The smaller angle α creates a more elliptical tunnel exit at the top of the tibia.

In order to understand the overall system for tibial fixation, several of the component interfaces are illustrated first.

The tibial fixation device 201 fits over the tibial alignment pin 365 (FIG. 103). The slot 340 in the tibial ligament spacer 195 aligns with the end 370 of the tibial alignment pin 365 (FIG. 105).

The hex wrench 375 (FIG. 104) fits over the tibial alignment pin 365 and can rotate freely around the pin diameter. Both the hex wrench 375 and the tibial fixation screw 200 can rotate freely over the tibial guide pin 365.

The end 370 of the tibial alignment pin 365 (FIG. 106) that engages with the tibial ligament spacer 195 has two flats 380 on opposing sides of the pin 365, forming a tab 385 that fits into the slot 340 of the tibial ligament spacer 195, whereby to permit tibial alignment pin 365 to turn tibial ligament spacer 195 as desired.

The opposite end 390 (FIG. 107) of the tibial alignment pin 365 preferably has at least one flat 395 (and may have more) for aligning with additional instrumentation, e.g., as discussed below.

The overall tibial alignment pin 365 is shown in FIG. 108. The end 370 is the tab side that engages with the tibial fixation device 201 (in particular, with the slot 340 of the TLS 195). The opposite end 390 engages with additional instrumentation (see below).

Looking now at FIGS. 109A and 109B, the aforementioned additional instrumentation preferably comprises the ligament tensioning bar 400. The ligament tensioning bar 400 includes fasteners 405 (shown as thumbscrews in FIGS. 109A and 109B). The fasteners 405 are used to tighten down and secure sutures 70 coming from the ligament graft. Grooves at each end of the bar 400 may be used to wrap the sutures 70 prior to tightening with the fasteners 405, e.g., for additional fixation. The fastener 405 in the middle of the ligament tensioning bar 400 tightens down onto the flat 395 on the tibial alignment pin 365, rotationally fixing the tibial tensioning bar 400 to the tibial alignment pin 365. The handle end of the hex wrench 375 is shown in FIGS. 109A and 109B.

The set-up of ligament graft sutures 70 and the ligament tension bar 400 is shown in FIG. 109B. The sutures 70 are secured to the ends of the ligament graft and wrapped in the grooves on the ligament tensioning bar 400. The fasteners 405 are then tightened into place.

FIG. 110 shows the relationship of the tibial fixation device 201, the tibial alignment pin 365, the hex wrench 375 and the ligament tensioning bar 400.

In more detail, FIG. 111A shows the tip of the hex wrench 375 about to engage with the tibial fixation device 201. The ligament graft and sutures are not shown in FIG. 111A for clarity of illustration. The end of the tibial alignment pin 365 is shown engaged with the TLS 195. The TLS 195 is constrained to rotate only as the tibial alignment pin 365 is rotated, inasmuch as the tibial alignment pin 365 comprises a tab with flats 380 that fits into the slot 340 in the TLS 195. The tibial fixation screw 200 and the hex wrench 375 are free to rotate on the tibial guide pin 365.

FIG. 111B illustrates how the tibial ligament spacer 195 is pushed (using hex wrench 375 to push TFS 200 and hence TLS 195 distally on the tibial alignment pin 365) between the strands 60, 65 of the graft ligament (the strands 60, 65 are shown without tension in the strands for visualization purposes).

Looking now at FIG. 112, hex wrench 375 can engage with the tibial fixation screw 200. The tibial fixation screw 200 then rotates as the hex wrench 375 is rotated.

The overall system is shown in FIG. 113A (but without the ligament graft or sutures for clarity of illustration).

Looking now at FIG. 113B, the ligament strands 60, 65 and sutures 70 are added to the drawing, illustrating the overall functional construct. To summarize the method, ligament graft sutures 70 are fastened to the ligament tensioning bar 400 with the fasteners 405. The tibial alignment pin 365 is passed through the center hole of the ligament tensioning bar 400. The hex wrench 375 and the tibial fixation device 201 are slid over the tibial alignment pin 365. The tibial alignment pin 365 is then loosened from the ligament tensioning bar 400 and extended into the tibial tunnel for the length of the tunnel. The tibial alignment pin 365 may have markings on its outer surface to indicate the depth that it has traveled into the tibial tunnel. When the tibial alignment pin 365 has been appropriately inserted into the tibial tunnel, the middle fastener 405 on the ligament tensioning bar 400 is tightened so as to secure the tibial alignment pin 365 to the ligament tensioning bar 400. At this point, the orientation of the tibial ligament spacer 195, the tibial guide pin 365, and the ligament tensioning bar 400 are rotationally fixed together, and the orientation of the tibial ligament spacer 195 can be rotationally adjusted by rotating the ligament tensioning bar 400 about the axis of the tibial guide pin 365. When tension is applied to the ligament tensioning bar 400, the bar can then be rotated to align the tibial ligament spacer 195 into the desired orientation. Specifically, the recesses between the tabs 330 on the tibial ligament spacer 195 are then adjusted so as to place the ligament strands into their anatomic AM and PL locations. The length of the ligament tensioning bar 400 may be varied as desired so as to space the suture lines to the desired extent and allow more space for the user to grip the handle of hex wrench 375.

FIG. 114 shows another view of the system, without the ligament graft 60, 65 and the sutures 70 being shown.

Next, and looking now at FIG. 115, as tension is applied to the ligament tensioning bar 400, the hex wrench 375 is turned to advance the tibial fixation device 201 into the tibial tunnel.

FIG. 116 illustrates the final position of the tibial fixation device 201 in the tibial tunnel. As discussed above, the ligament graft recesses are positioned for anatomic location of the AM and PL bundles.

The instrumentation is then disengaged from the tibial fixation device 201 as shown in FIG. 117.

The reconstructed ligament construct is then complete. FIG. 118 shows a top view of the ligament construct with the knee in 90 degrees flexion. The top of the tibial fixation device 201 (i.e., the tibial ligament spacer 195) is shown, as is the tibial fixation screw 200. The recesses between the tabs 330 are located so as to properly position the AM and PL bundles. FIG. 118 also shows the femoral fixation device 110.

FIG. 119A is a side view of the tibial and femoral fixation discussed above. The ligament graft is omitted from this view for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 119B is a view like that of FIG. 119A, except that it also shows the graft ligament strands 60, 65. The knee is shown in 90 degrees of flexion. The AM bundle 60 (A-A) crosses the PL bundle 65 (B-B) in the same way as the natural ACL.

FIG. 119C is another view showing the femoral fixation device 110 and the tibial fixation device 201. In this view the knee is in full extension.

FIG. 119D is a side view which illustrates how the AM graft 60 (A-A) is roughly parallel to the PL graft 65 (B-B) when the knee is in full extension, in the same way as the natural ACL.

FIG. 120A is a front view of the completed construct discussed above.

FIG. 120B is a view like that of FIG. 120A, except showing graft ligament strands 60, 65. The AM bundle 60 appears near the front of the tibia at the tibial tunnel. The PL bundle 65 is posterolateral to the AM bundle 60 at the tibial tunnel exit. The construct therefore more closely replicates the nominal location and approximate shape of the natural ACL.

In addition to the advantages listed earlier for the tibial fixation device, the present version of the invention includes at least the following advantages and benefits:

(1) An integrated, assembled tibial fixation device, with the tibial fixation screw 200 and the tibial ligament spacer 195 being assembled together prior to insertion in the tibia.

(2) An added slot alignment feature in the tibial ligament spacer 195 for remote orientation of the TLS 195 into the desired anatomic position.

(3) Small bumps 335 on both sides of the TLS ligament separation tabs 330 allow the assembly into the tibial tunnel, but resist pull through as the bumps reach the harder tibial cortex at the mouth of the tibial tunnel.

(4) A system of instruments that allows orientation of the TLS, tensioning of the ligaments and tightening of the tibial fixation device 201 into its final position, all introduced and fixed into place from the outside of the tibia (antegrade), rather than from the inside of the joint (retrograde).

Alternatives for the Second Preferred Construction and Method of Use

In another embodiment of the invention, and looking now at FIG. 121A, alignment markings 410 are formed on a new device, the spacer orientation guide 415, as well as the ligament spacer alignment tool 305, the femoral ligament spacer 120 and the tibial spacer 195. The alignment markings 410 is placed in a location that is visible and non-ambiguous in order to create the most flush or even fit with the native bone surface.

In this form of the invention, after the bone tunnels are drilled into the femur, the specially shaped spacer orientation guide 415 is inserted into the femoral tunnel. The spacer orientation guide 415 has a handle 420 at one end and a plug 425 at the other end. The plug 425 has two angled surfaces, one (430) as a guide for the femoral tunnel (the near surface) and one (435) as a guide for the tibial tunnel (the far surface). Alignment marking 410 extends along the plug 425, and this alignment marking is aligned with the tips, or extreme points, of the elliptical faces 430, 435. The marking location at the extreme points is an example. Other marking locations around the plug 425 may also be used.

Looking now at FIG. 121B, the spacer orientation guide 415 has its plug 425 inserted first into the femoral tunnel. The elliptical surface 430 of the guide is aligned such that it is approximately even with, or flush with, the femoral tunnel entrance.

The fully inserted spacer orientation guide 415 is shown in FIG. 122. The guide is rotated until the near surface 430 of the plug 425 at the end of the guide is best aligned with the bone surface.

Then the mark 410 on the spacer orientation guide 415 is visualized. A corresponding mark 440 is made on the adjacent bone surface with a sterile, surgical pen or a small awl or pick. See FIG. 123.

In this form of the invention, femoral spacer alignment tool 305 includes a corresponding “line” or “marking” 410 corresponding to the tips, or extreme points, or other marked locations, of the ellipse. See FIG. 124A. Similarly, the femoral ligament spacer 120 includes an alignment marking 410 on its surface as well. See FIG. 124B.

While the guide pin 25 is still in place, the femoral fixation device 110 is inserted into the femoral tunnel. The femoral alignment tool 305 engages the FLS 120 and rotates the FLS 120 into alignment (i.e., so that the marking 410 on FLS 120 is aligned with the marking 440 made on the adjacent bone). Then FLS 120 is tightened into position. See FIG. 125.

The aligned FLS 120 is shown in FIG. 126.

In a similar fashion, the tibial fixation device 201 is placed utilizing a mark 445 on the tibial surface. See FIGS. 127-130.

The use of the spacer orientation tool 415, the spacer alignment tool 305 and the marked ligament spacers 115, 195 allows an improved fit between the ligament graft spacers and the bone surfaces. The resulting location of the ligament spacers, both femoral (115) and tibial (195), creates a reconstruction that is closely aligned with the native bone surfaces. This alignment contributes to anatomic fixation of the ligament grafts by giving the surgeon a target to align to when tightening the fixation devices into place.

The benefits of the aligned ligament graft spacers 115, 195 include:

(1) Both the femoral and tibial ligament spacers 115, 195, respectively, are inserted such that they are aligned with the bone surface. This allows more natural movement of the ligament, as if bone had already filled in the space around the ligament graft.

(2) The aligned ligament graft spacers 115, 195 help to ensure an anatomic construction, separating the AM bundle 60 and PL bundle 65 and positioning them into their correct anatomic positions.

(3) The aligned ligament graft spacers 115, 195 provide a clear target for aligning the ligament spacers.

Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments

It should be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present invention, may be made by those skilled in the art while still remaining within the principles and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for reconstructing a ligament, the method comprising: providing an apparatus for reconstructing a ligament, the apparatus comprising: a first fixation device for maintaining a graft ligament in a first bone hole, the first fixation device comprising: a first fixation screw comprising a body having screw threads formed thereon; and a first ligament spacer mounted to the first fixation screw, the first ligament spacer comprising a first canted face disposed opposite the first fixation screw; and a second fixation device for maintaining the graft ligament in a second bone hole, the second fixation device comprising: a second fixation screw comprising a body having screw threads formed thereon; and a second ligament spacer mounted to the second fixation screw, the second ligament spacer comprising a second canted face disposed opposite the second fixation screw; forming a first bone hole in a first bone, the first bone hole extending through the first bone so that one end of the first bone hole terminates at a first joint surface; forming a second bone hole in a second bone, the second bone hole extending through the second bone so that one end of the second bone hole terminates at a second joint surface; extending a graft ligament along the first bone hole and along the second bone hole; advancing the first fixation device into the first bone hole alongside the graft ligament so that the first fixation screw creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the first bone hole, and the first ligament spacer creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the first bone hole, with the first canted face of the first ligament spacer being positioned flush with the end of the first bone hole terminating at the first joint surface; advancing the second fixation device into the second bone hole alongside the graft ligament so that the second fixation screw creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the second bone hole, and the second ligament spacer creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the second bone hole, with the second canted face of the second ligament spacer being positioned flush with the end of the second bone hole terminating at the second joint surface.
 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the ligament reconstruction comprises an ACL reconstruction, the first bone hole extends into the femur, and the first ligament fixation device comprises a femoral fixation device, and further wherein the first fixation screw precedes the first ligament spacer into the first bone hole, and further wherein the second bone hole extends through the tibia, and the second ligament fixation device comprises a tibial fixation device, and further wherein the second ligament spacer precedes the second fixation screw into the second bone hole.
 3. A method for reconstructing a ligament, the method comprising: providing a fixation device for maintaining a graft ligament in a bone hole, the fixation device comprising: a fixation screw comprising a body having screw threads formed thereon; and a ligament spacer mounted to the fixation screw, the ligament spacer comprising a canted face disposed opposite the fixation screw; forming a bone hole in a bone, the bone hole extending through the bone so that one end of the bone hole terminates at a joint surface; extending a graft ligament along the bone hole; advancing the fixation screw and the ligament spacer into the bone hole alongside the graft ligament so that the fixation screw creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the bone hole, and the ligament spacer creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the bone hole, with the canted face of the ligament spacer being positioned flush with the end of the bone hole terminating at the joint surface.
 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the ligament reconstruction comprises an ACL reconstruction, the bone hole extends into the femur, and the fixation device comprises a femoral fixation device, and further wherein the fixation screw precedes the ligament spacer into the bone hole.
 5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the ligament spacer is attached to the fixation screw when the fixation screw and ligament spacer are advanced into the bone hole alongside the graft ligament.
 6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the ligament spacer is rotatably mounted to the fixation screw.
 7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the fixation screw comprises a distal end and a proximal end, a neck extending proximally from the proximal end of the fixation screw, and a threaded head extending proximally from the neck, and further wherein the ligament spacer comprises a distal end and a proximal end, a bore extending from the distal end of the ligament spacer to the proximal end of the ligament spacer, a bore enlargement disposed intermediate the bore, and internal screw threads disposed on the bore distal to the bore enlargement, the threaded head of the fixation screw being sized to make threaded engagement with the internal screw threads of the ligament spacer, and the bore enlargement in the ligament spacer being sized to rotatably accommodate the threaded head of the fixation screw, such that the distal end of the ligament spacer can be screwed over the threaded head of the fixation screw, whereby to rotatably mount the ligament spacer to the proximal end of the fixation screw.
 8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the threaded head of the fixation screw comprises a drive element for turning the fixation screw, and further wherein the drive element of the fixation screw may be accessed through the bore of the ligament spacer when the ligament spacer is rotatably mounted to the fixation screw.
 9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the drive element comprises a hex recess.
 10. A method according to claim 3 wherein the graft element comprises a plurality of graft strands, and further wherein the ligament spacer comprises a peripheral geometry configured to separate the plurality of graft strands within the bone hole.
 11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the ligament spacer comprises at least one pair of diametrically opposed tabs, and further wherein each of the plurality of graft strands is disposed between two of the tabs.
 12. A method according to claim 3 wherein the ligament spacer comprises a rotation element for turning the ligament spacer while the ligament spacer is attached to the fixation screw.
 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the rotation element comprises a pair of diametrically opposed indentations formed in the ligament spacer.
 14. A method according to claim 3 wherein the ligament reconstruction comprises an ACL reconstruction, the bone hole extends through the tibia, and the fixation device comprises a tibial fixation device, and further wherein the ligament spacer precedes the fixation screw into the bone hole.
 15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the fixation screw is attached to the ligament spacer after the ligament spacer and fixation screw are advanced into the bone hole alongside the graft ligament.
 16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the ligament spacer is advanced into the bone hole from the joint surface and the fixation screw is advanced into the bone hole from the front of the tibia.
 17. A method according to claim 15, wherein the ligament spacer comprises a distal end and a proximal end, a neck extending proximally from the proximal end of the ligament spacer, and a threaded head extending proximally from the neck, with the canted face being disposed on the distal end of the ligament spacer, and further wherein the fixation screw comprises a distal end and a proximal end, a bore extending from the distal end of the fixation screw to the proximal end of the fixation screw, and a counterbore opening on the distal end of the fixation screw and extending proximally, the threaded head on the ligament spacer and the counterbore of the fixation screw being sized to threadingly engage one another, such that the distal end of the fixation screw can be screwed over the threaded head of the ligament spacer, whereby to mount the ligament spacer to the distal end of the fixation screw.
 18. A method according to claim 15 wherein the fixation screw comprises a bore, and further wherein the bore of the fixation screw comprises a drive element for turning the fixation screw.
 19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the drive element comprises a hex recess.
 20. A method according to claim 14 wherein the graft element comprises a plurality of graft strands, and further wherein the ligament spacer comprises a peripheral geometry configured to separate the plurality of graft strands.
 21. A method according to claim 20 wherein the ligament spacer comprises at least one pair of diametrically opposed tabs, and further wherein each of the plurality of graft strands is disposed between two of the tabs.
 22. A method according to claim 14 wherein the ligament spacer comprises a rotation element for turning the ligament spacer while the ligament spacer is disposed in the bone hole.
 23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the rotation element comprises a non-circular opening formed in the ligament spacer. 